Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-27
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The graph below gives information about the percentage of the population in four Asian countries living in cities from 1970 to 2020, with predictions for 2030 and 2040. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 7.0)
The graph illustrates the proportion of people living in urban areas of four Asian countries between 1970 and 2020 with projections for 2030 and 2040.
Overall, the number of people living in city areas increased throughout the period. Malaysia experienced dramatic and steady growth with the highest number of people, whereas the Philippines experienced gradual growth with drastic fluctuation. Thailand and Indonesia also soared with slowed and gradual growth.
In 1970, nearly 30 percent of people seemed to be living in city areas of Malaysia and the Philippines. Both escalated with a rise of almost 50 percent in 1990. However, the Philippines' population living in city areas went down to around 40 percent before experiencing an absolute rise. Although Malaysia struggled during the time between 1980 and 1990, it went to the highest point, about 80 percent of the total population.
In 2000, an equal proportion of people lived in city areas of Indonesia and Thailand. But Indonesia kept steady growth, whereas Thailand plateaued until 2020 before experiencing a slight increase
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response provides a clear overview of the main trends and selects relevant data points to support the description. You successfully identified the overall upward trend and highlighted the key differences between the countries. However, the analysis of the data is slightly inconsistent; for instance, the claim that the Philippines experienced 'drastic fluctuation' is not fully supported by the graph, which shows a more gradual decline and recovery. Additionally, the description of the 1970 data is slightly inaccurate, as the graph shows the Philippines starting lower than Malaysia. To reach a higher band, ensure that data points are cited with greater precision and that the interpretation of trends strictly aligns with the visual evidence provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, and you use a range of cohesive devices such as 'whereas', 'however', and 'although' to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed analysis. To improve, ensure that the transition between sentences is smoother; some sentences feel slightly disconnected. For example, the jump from the 1970s data to the 2000s data in the final paragraph could be better signposted to help the reader follow the chronological flow of the information more effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information clearly. Phrases like 'proportion of people', 'dramatic and steady growth', and 'plateaued' are used effectively in an academic context. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'soared with slowed and gradual growth', which is slightly contradictory. Additionally, the term 'absolute rise' is a bit vague. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to data description, such as 'upward trajectory' or 'marginal increase', and ensure that your descriptive adjectives accurately reflect the specific nature of the changes shown in the graph.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow, and your control of basic grammar is generally good. There are occasional errors, such as 'it went to the highest point', which would be more naturally phrased as 'it reached its peak'. Some punctuation could be improved, particularly regarding the use of commas in complex sentences. While the errors do not impede communication, increasing the variety of complex structures—such as using more passive voice or participial phrases—would help demonstrate a wider grammatical range and improve the overall flow of your writing.
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